Microsoft hire ex-Sony exec to lead European brands

Harrison’s hiring is unrelated to the departure of Molyneux, says Microsoft

Phil Harrison

Former Sony executive Phil Harrison has been appointed corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) leadership team.

Harrison will focus on growing the division’s European business, which include overseeing developments of UK-based developers, Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions and Rare Ltd.

In a press release issued by Microsoft, Harrison said, “I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry. I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed.”

Additionally, Microsoft Studios corporate vice president Phil Spencer said, “We are honoured to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry. Phil is one of video gaming’s true visionaries, and his experience overseeing global studios and deep industry relationships make him the ideal person to lead our European efforts. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing cultivating the best talent and growing our business in the region.”

Harrison’s hiring is said to be “completely unrelated” to the recent departure of Peter Molyneux, according to reports from GamesIndustry International.

Molyneux, recent creative director at Microsoft Studios Europe and Lionhead Studio’s co-founder, announced he was leaving the company in order to join the indie start-up studio 22 Cans, which was founded by former Lionhead Studios chief technical officer Tim Rance.